Jabil Expands Retail Innovation Ecosystem

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Jabil Inc. has expanded its ecosystem of innovation partners to speed the delivery of advanced retail automation solutions. At NRF 2019: Retail's Big Show (Booth 4559), Jabil is showcasing the latest technology breakthroughs that are redefining retail in the digital age, including state-of-the-art autonomous robots, electronic shelf labels, intelligent vending machines, point-of-sale systems and self-checkout kiosks.

"Over the past 15 years, through our partners, Jabil has gained access to 90 percent of the top retailers across approximately 10,000 storefronts while collaborating with the most forward-thinking technology companies," said Frederic McCoy, SVP, Jabil Retail. "Together with our robust ecosystem of innovation partners, we’re empowering retailers to improve operations and transform customer experiences."

Jabil's 2018 Future of Retail Technology Report, a survey of more than 300 retail decision makers, revealed the pressing need for digital technologies that support new, sustainable business models. Only 29 percent of those surveyed, however, reported having confidence in their existing organizational structures and partners to deliver much-needed innovation.

Integrated Services Meet Pent-Up Demand for Innovation

Jabil addresses the escalating demand for retail technology innovation by leveraging its half-century of manufacturing experience and expertise across strategic design capabilities, encompassing precision mechanics, RF wireless, robotics, optics, UX design, 3D printing, automation, advanced materials as well as sensors and displays. Integrated services spanning product ideation, design, engineering, supply chain management and manufacturing at scale speed the delivery of leading, omni-channel retail solutions.

Creating Compelling Points of Experience

Jabil, along with ecosystem partner Toshiba, creates positive consumer engagements through the development and manufacturing of industry-defining Point-of-Sale (POS) systems. For instance, Jabil’s ability to customize Toshiba TCx800 POS systems to industry-leading specifications is bolstered by deep supply chain skills, engineering flexibility and complete testing and qualification capabilities to ensure unparalleled quality. Each retail-hardened, liquid spill resistant system is built to order in locations closer to end-customers allowing Toshiba to rapidly serve their clients around the world.

In October 2018, Jabil announced a new intelligent vending platform based on Intel’s reference design to integrate hardware, software, user interface, payment system, wireless communications and remote management into one smart, connected vending machine. With its fully integrated market-enablement solution, Jabil can turn traditional vending machines into highly connected smart machines that take advantage of touchscreen controls, video, audio, scent, gesture-based interaction and cashless payment.

Elevating In-Store Operations

Jabil's retail ecosystem also includes partners focused on improving the in-store retail experience. For example, Badger Technologies, a product division of Jabil, deploys autonomous robots to capture real-time data on mispriced, misplaced or out-of-stock inventory while watching for spills or other potential hazards. In related news, nearly 500 robots, powered by Ahold Delhaize USA services company Retail Business Services and Badger Technologies, are being deployed by two Ahold Delhaize USA brands.

Meanwhile, Jabil is working with SES-imagotag on scaling global production of its award-winning VUSION modular digital price tags Jabil’s global supply chain and procurement expertise have enabled SES-imagotag to achieve better economies of scale while elevating quality through stringent testing and process automation.

Jabil Retail also leverages artificial intelligence, machine learning and analytics to help retailers further elevate customer experiences, reduce operational costs and realize new business models and revenue streams.

"Jabil's focus on product testing and quality assurance enabled us to scale manufacturing rapidly, so we could keep pace with escalating market demand for our VUSION digital price tags. The ability to expedite product delivery assures continued business momentum globally for our latest production innovations," said Philippe Bottine, CEO of North America, SES-imagotag.

"As a critical part of Toshiba's partner ecosystem, Jabil plays an important role across our entire supply chain, including product design and development work in addition to fulfilling and delivering POS system orders directly to retail customers around the world," said Steven Mensch, SVP, supply chain and procurement, Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Inc.

About Jabil

Jabil is a product solutions company providing comprehensive design, manufacturing, supply chain and product management services. Operating from over 100 facilities in 29 countries, Jabil delivers innovative, integrated and tailored solutions to customers across a broad range of industries.